5.0(1 Reviews)Expert Guided Crabbing & Fishing on Chesapeake Bay
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fivehour crabbing and fishing combination trip on Chesapeake BayExpert captain teaches blue crab catching and fishing techniquesFamilyfriendly adventure accommodating up to four guests maximum
There's something magical about spending a full day on the Chesapeake Bay, and Captain David's 5-hour combo trip gives you the best of both worlds. You'll start your morning pulling crab pots and learning the ins and outs of blue crabbing before switching gears to target some of the Eastern Shore's most popular fish species. This isn't your typical charter - it's a hands-on adventure where you'll come away with dinner and a whole lot of new skills. Perfect for families looking to introduce kids to the water or seasoned anglers wanting to try something different.
Captain David knows these tributaries like the back of his hand, and he's been working these crabbing grounds for years. You'll spend the first half of your trip learning proper crabbing techniques, from baiting lines to identifying keepers versus throwbacks. The captain will walk you through Maryland's crabbing regulations so you know exactly what you can take home. Once you've got your bushel limit or the crabs slow down, it's time to break out the fishing rods. The transition from crabbing to fishing keeps the day fresh and gives everyone on board something to look forward to. With only 4 guests maximum, you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction whether you're 8 or 80 years old.
All your fishing and crabbing gear is provided, so you can travel light. For crabbing, you'll be working with traditional trotlines and handlines baited with chicken necks or fish heads - the blue crabs can't resist them. The captain will show you the proper technique for pulling lines slowly and scooping crabs with the net before they drop off. When it's time to fish, you'll switch to medium-action rods with live bait rigs and bottom fishing setups. The waters around the Eastern Shore are perfect for targeting bottom-dwelling species like catfish and perch, while the snakehead action happens closer to structure and vegetation. Captain David adjusts techniques based on tides, weather, and what's biting that day.
"highly recommended!" - Elizabeth
White Perch are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters typically run 8-12 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. They school up around structure and drop-offs, making them perfect targets after you finish crabbing. Spring through fall offers the best action, with summer being peak season when they're most active. What makes perch so popular with families is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - they're sweet, flaky, and perfect for a fish fry.
White Catfish in the Chesapeake system are often overlooked, but they shouldn't be. These native cats grow bigger than most people expect, with fish in the 2-3 pound range being common and some pushing 5 pounds or more. They're bottom feeders that love worms, cut bait, and chicken liver, making them perfect for beginners to target. Unlike their channel cat cousins, white catfish have a milder flavor and fewer muddy undertones. They bite best during warmer months and are especially active in the evening hours, which works perfectly for this trip's timing.
Great Snakehead might be the most exciting species you'll encounter on this trip. These invasive fish have become a customer favorite because they fight like nothing else in these waters. They're ambush predators that love cover, striking hard and making blistering runs when hooked. Snakehead can reach impressive sizes - 10 to 15 pounders aren't uncommon - and they're actually fantastic eating despite their intimidating appearance. Since there's no limit on snakehead and they're considered invasive, you can keep every one you catch. They're most active in warmer water and love areas with vegetation and structure.
This top-rated combo trip fills up fast, especially during peak crab season from May through September. You'll walk away with a cooler full of blue crabs, hopefully some fish fillets, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Captain David's years of experience on these waters means you're getting insider knowledge you can't find anywhere else. Don't forget to bring that cooler and some ice - you'll need it for the bushel of crabs you're allowed to take home. Whether you're looking for a unique family outing or want to try something different from your usual fishing charter, this 5-hour adventure delivers on every front. Book now and discover why this trip keeps guests coming back season after season.
Captain David's restored 25-foot MayCraft center console is the perfect platform for your Chesapeake Bay crabbing and fishing adventure. This classic boat seats up to 6 but keeps groups intimate at 4 guests, giving everyone plenty of room to work the crab lines and cast for catfish, white perch, and snakehead. The 350HP Suzuki engine gets you to the best spots quickly, hitting 40 knots when needed to chase the bite. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate productive waters while the onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access - ideal for moving between crabbing spots along the tributaries and then switching to rod fishing. Built tough for these waters, this MayCraft handles the Bay's changing conditions while providing a stable, comfortable ride for families and serious anglers alike.
Channa MaruliusSnakeheads are our most unique catch - they can actually breathe air and survive out of water for hours. These ambush predators average 3-5 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds in our system. Look for them around vegetation edges and structure in slower tributary waters. They're most active during warmer months, especially spring through fall. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fight - they're called "super bass" for good reason. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. They'll hit frogs, buzzbaits, and live minnows. Pro tip: fish the edges where vegetation meets open water early morning or late evening - they ambush prey from cover and those transitions are money spots.
Ameiurus CatusWhite catfish are the smallest of our local catfish, usually running half a pound to 2 pounds, though we occasionally see some pushing 4-5 pounds. They love muddy bottoms in slower water areas of the tributaries. Unlike other cats, they're not strictly nocturnal - morning and evening bites are solid. They're bottom feeders with those signature whiskers helping them locate food by taste and smell. Guests love them because they're great fighters for their size and excellent eating. They'll hit chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Here's a local trick: let your bait drag slightly off the bottom instead of sitting still - the movement helps them locate it faster in our murky tributary waters.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are actually part of the bass family, despite their name. They typically run 7-10 inches and less than a pound, making them perfect for kids and beginners. You'll find them in our brackish waters around structure and drop-offs, especially during spring when they school up to spawn. They're active feeders that'll hit bloodworms, small jigs, and minnows pretty readily. What makes them fun is they often travel in schools - catch one and there's usually more nearby. They fight harder than their size suggests and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use a multi-hook rig when you find a school since they're competitive feeders and you can often double up.
5.0 out of 5.0highly recommended!
Easton